Graduates Express Concerns Over AI’s Impact at Commencements

Graduation ceremonies at several universities this year saw speakers challenged by students when the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) was raised. At the University of Central Florida, real estate executive Gloria Caulfield faced immediate boos after referring to AI as “the next industrial revolution” during her May 8 address. A similar reaction met Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records, at Middle Tennessee State University on May 9, when he spoke about AI transforming production.

At Glendale Community College, outside Phoenix, technical issues marred the commencement as the wrong names were read aloud. College President Tiffany Hernandez explained that a new AI system was responsible, eliciting loud boos from the audience. The college later issued an apology to the students.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was also booed during his speech at the University of Arizona on May 15. His comments on AI’s inevitable impact on the world were met with skepticism and disapproval.

These reactions reflect broader concerns among students about AI’s role in the job market. As ChatGPT and similar technologies have emerged, graduates like Maggie Simmons of the University of Denver express anxiety over AI’s environmental impact and potential to undermine human job opportunities.

Recent graduate Kareen Gill of American University highlighted the reduction in internships and entry-level positions as AI takes over tasks like answering phones. This, according to Gill, disadvantages younger generations seeking employment and raises worries about job stability.

A Quinnipiac University poll from March underlines these generational concerns. It found 81% of Gen Z respondents believe AI will reduce job opportunities. Chetan Jaiswal, a computer science professor at Quinnipiac, noted the growing concern among Americans as AI’s effects become more visible.

Gill pointed out deeper concerns about AI, including environmental impact and wealth disparity, suggesting these issues are awakening younger generations to the broader implications of technology.